For musicians Vijay Prakash and Mahathi Vijay Prakash, Dhanteras is as much about collecting musical memories as it is about buying gold and silver. Buying a coin is still part of their festive ritual, but the couple’s idea of an investment goes beyond precious metals. On this festive occasion, the singer and his wife reflect on the musical instruments they have picked up during their travels, the memories attached to them, and the timeless joy of creating music together. Excerpts:
Because it is considered auspicious during the festival, and place it in our mandir, shedding light on how they usher in the festivities, Mahathi says, “We usually buy a gold or silver coin.
It all begins with a simple prayer at home: ‘May everyone be well, and may all our well-wishers be healthy and happy,’” she says. We have taken different things from different cultures and celebrated in our style,” says Vijay. Even when we go on holidays, when Vijay sees an instrument rooted in the local culture of that place, he always tries to pick it up,” says Mahathi. It sounds so authentic,” she says. And that is missing big time,” he says. Let love make noise and let peace be the sparkler,” he says.
It is a symbol of growth and prosperity. But for the couple, prosperity is not measured in material possessions alone. “We also pray for abundance in terms of relationships and good health. It is not just about money. Vijay was born in Mysuru and Mahathi grew up in Mumbai, so their celebrations naturally blend different cultures. “Culturally, we have kind of acquired all cultures. Our festivals are more of a pan-India film. One such tradition they have brought to Bengaluru is Diwali Pahat, the Maharashtrian custom of welcoming the festival with early-morning musical concerts. “Actually, ours is more of a musical Diwali. Apart from all the rituals, I would say the celebrations are largely musical,” he explains. Collecting musical instruments is another way of investing in what they hold dear. Each instrument carries a story, a memory of a place or a moment that has stayed with them. “A tanpura is the basic instrument that every musician should have. Mahathi, meanwhile, is fond of a small manjira -like instrument, which she uses while performing folk and theatrical music. “Suddenly, you start singing something very local and you just play that. You don’t need anything else. The singer feels that for all the progress humanity has made in every field, the world seems to have forgotten two essential values. “The centre of gravity for all human existence is love and peace. His festive wish is not for more material abundance but for a world richer in compassion, acceptance and harmony. “Let love make noise and let peace glitter. We need something to make noise and something to glitter. And perhaps that is the loveliest way to celebrate Diwali: with music in our hearts, love in our words and peace lighting up our lives.